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Stuart Fegan, GMB National Officer for Energy, said: "When the National Grid issues a worrying gas warning like this – you know things are serious.

“When the supply is low, energy companies will inevitably hike prices to make a quick buck – so we all suffer.

“Gas heats 85% of UK homes and provides nearly half of our electricity and we need to make sure our supply is safe, secure, and in our own hands.

“In the real world gas is going to be needed to heat our homes for a long time to come whilst we transition to a low carbon economy.

"Our government needs to wake up to the reality that an urgent inquiry in costly gas price hikes caused by interrupted supply is needed."

Alex Neill, Which? Managing Director of Home Products and Services, said: "As the cold snap continues across the UK, households will be worried about any potential gas supply shortage and whether this will push up the price that many are already struggling to pay for their energy.

"Anyone overpaying on a poor value tariff should look to switch away to a better deal immediately, as they may save up to £305 a year.”

The stark warning came as snowfall brought parts of Britain to a standstill, trapping motorists on roads and threatening air, rail and road journeys across the country.

Another day of sub-zero temperatures, gale-force icy winds and blizzard-like conditions is expected as Storm Emma sweeps in from the Atlantic on the tail of the Beast from the East's chilly blast.

The Met Office has issued a red warning for snow for just the third time ever - the second one this week - amid unprecedented conditions in recent memory.

Parts of the UK could see blizzard conditions and as much as 50cm (20ins) of snow by Friday morning, with early March temperatures plunging to their coldest values since 1991.

(Image: Met Office)

Until things clear up, however, there will be further misery as brutal Storm Emma, which is rolling in from the Atlantic, clashes with the "Beast from the East", a polar blast from Siberia that has lingered for four days.